Employment Specialist- Jobs Plus

Job Description

Job Description

We Are Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

NRHA’s Vision and Mission 

We are proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we’ve been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk. 

As an award-winning public housing authority designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the NRHA VISION is to provide quality housing choices in neighborhoods where people want to live. Our MISSION is to provide quality housing opportunities that create sustainable, mixed-income communities.

Today, our dedicated team continues focusing on our vision and mission by providing exceptional service to residents, vendors, development partners, and community stakeholders through programs that support the development and sustainability of affordable housing and offering programs that support the goal of self-sufficiency for all residents of Norfolk, Virginia. 

  Position Summary  

Develops, coordinates, and conducts programs, modules, and/or service plans to train and obtain employment for Jobs Plus program participants. Collects, compiles, and analyzes data on Jobs Plus participants employment service needs. Coaches, counsels, and assists program participants. Acts to assure compliance with Jobs Plus grant requirements. Identifies and reports on training needs for specific industries. Communicates, coordinates, and collaborates with NRHA staff, residents, partners, and other parties to promote Jobs Plus initiatives, training programs, and services. Prepares and submits memoranda, reports, and other documents. 

  Essential Functions  

Plans, develops, and implements employment services programs, modules, and/or service plans to obtain employment for Job Plus program participants: receives assignment; collaborates with others to determine program content; plans and develops program; plans and executes program marketing effort; conducts program, including conducting training assignments, as directed; monitors program results using standard techniques, include pre- and post-testing, proficiency testing, and other means; and takes corrective action as needed.

Collects, compiles, and analyzes data on program participants’ employment needs: conducts surveys as assigned to assess partner skill requirements and resident training needs; identifies current and future employment needs of Jobs Plus participants; assesses the availability of programs and services for Jobs Plus participants; and performs other research assignments as directed.

Markets Jobs Plus program to residents and recruits program participants: markets program to residents, using fliers, brochures, one-on-one meetings, and group meetings; identifies prospects; meets with prospects and encourages registration; and assists prospects in registering for program.

Coaches, counsels, and assists program participants: establishes and maintains contact with assigned program participants; meets with participants and discuss employment-related issues, including but not limited to employment opportunities, preparing for interviews, and resolving problems at the workplace; and assists participates in job or income-related activities, including but not limited to organizing tax return documents.

Establishes and maintains program relationships with Jobs Plus employees to promote the training and hiring of Jobs Plus participants, and counsels residents in the availability of human services provided by local agencies.

Establishes and maintains Jobs Plus program partnerships with local human service agencies to coordinate services and referrals other than those from on-site programs provided by the Calvert Family Investment Center (FIC).

Coordinates entrepreneurship and employment training programs with other NRHA staff, including but not limited to Section 3 program staff, family self-sufficiency (FSS) staff, and other Client Services staff members.

Acts to assure compliance with grant requirements follows grant rules and provides reports.

Assists other NRHA staff in coordinated self-sufficiency initiatives with community partners.

Monitors Jobs Plus programs that are coupled with other educational and employment programs; monitors and evaluates training needs of Jobs Plus participants; monitors and evaluates effectiveness of training programs; monitors external workforce programs to assess effectiveness and applicability to Jobs Plus participants; and performs other monitoring assignments as directed.

Collects, complies and distributes information about the services in Calvert Square Family Investment Center (FIC) program and employment services programs.

Assigns, schedules, and coordinates community engagements at assigned communities.

Serves as a member of the organization’s Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Coordinating Committee and the Advisory Committee.

Presents reports in oral, written, graphical, electronic, or other appropriate form: prepares and submits scheduled summary written reports to comply with HUD grant requirements, and to report assignment progress and conclusions; may deliver oral reports and presentations on assignments and findings; uses standard software to design graphs, tables, figures and other information graphics; prepares presentation slides using standard presentation software; and presents oral reports of findings as directed.

Performs a variety of administrative duties: prepares and submits correspondence, presentation materials, and other documents; maintains business directory database; establishes and maintains confidential files; and performs other administrative assignments as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required. 

One to three years of progressively responsible experience in the human services field preferred. 

Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certification as Housing Counselor or Specialist, or Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist, may be required for some assignments. 

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check, pre-employment health check, and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package . The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction. 

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.